BOOKONLINE NOW vs. GuestCentric (Booking Engine):
Which Is Right for You?

The Decision

Choosing between BOOKONLINE NOW and GuestCentric hinges on your hotel’s priorities. Both platforms aim to improve direct bookings, but they diverge significantly in features, user experience, and market presence. While BOOKONLINE NOW offers a straightforward, cost-effective option, GuestCentric provides a more robust, feature-rich system with broader integration and higher customer satisfaction. Your decision will depend on whether you value simplicity and affordability or advanced capabilities and proven support.

Are you ready to find the best fit for your hotel’s growth and operational needs?

Is BOOKONLINE NOW or GuestCentric Better for Hotels?

Both BOOKONLINE NOW and GuestCentric are designed to boost direct bookings and reduce reliance on OTAs. However, they approach this goal differently: BOOKONLINE NOW is a simpler, more limited booking engine primarily focused on basic reservation functionality, while GuestCentric offers a comprehensive suite with marketing, email automation, and customization features.

GuestCentric's high review count (62 reviews) and recent positive feedback give it a distinct edge over BOOKONLINE NOW, which has only 4 reviews, none recent. When evaluating their effectiveness, consider whether your hotel needs a quick, straightforward booking solution or a platform that supports broader marketing and operational features.

BOOKONLINE NOW vs GuestCentric: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a low-cost, easy-to-implement booking engine that boosts direct bookings without the bells and whistles, BOOKONLINE NOW may suffice. It’s best suited for small properties, bed & breakfasts, or inns that prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Conversely, if your hotel seeks a scalable, feature-rich system with marketing tools, automation, and multi-channel capabilities, GuestCentric is the clear winner. Its extensive features and high user satisfaction make it ideal for boutique hotels, resorts, and properties aiming for higher conversion rates and advanced digital marketing.

For hotels prioritizing ease of use, GuestCentric’s higher rating (4.55/5 vs 3.5/5 for BOOKONLINE NOW) and recent reviews highlight its more intuitive interface. If you need a straightforward, quick-to-adopt platform, BOOKONLINE NOW might be adequate, but for broader operational goals and customer engagement, GuestCentric is the stronger choice.

Is BOOKONLINE NOW or GuestCentric Easier to Use?

GuestCentric’s user interface scores a 4.55/5, with many users praising its intuitiveness and the minimal clicks needed for bookings. Support and onboarding ratings (4.76/5 and 4.53/5 respectively) reflect a positive experience, with host comments noting helpful, quick responses and easy setup.

BOOKONLINE NOW’s ease of use ratings are lower (3.5/5), and reviews mention a clunky back end and limited usefulness despite attractive front-end design. Support support is rated relatively high (4.5/5), but the overall usability is less appreciated.

Edge: GuestCentric.

Which Has Better Features: BOOKONLINE NOW or GuestCentric?

GuestCentric offers 23 unique features, including pre- and post-stay emails, automated reporting, loyalty programs, multi-currency support, and social media integration—features that are absent in BOOKONLINE NOW. Its features target revenue maximization and guest engagement, making it a more versatile platform.

In contrast, BOOKONLINE NOW provides no additional features beyond core booking functionalities. If your hotel requires marketing automation, flexible rate management, or promotional tools, GuestCentric’s extensive feature set makes it the clear winner.

Edge: GuestCentric.

Which Has Better Customer Support: BOOKONLINE NOW or GuestCentric?

GuestCentric’s customer support is highly rated at 4.76/5, with reviews praising their quick responses, dedicated staff, and strategic assistance. Hoteliers highlight the team’s proactive approach and willingness to help optimize usage.

BOOKONLINE NOW has a respectable rating of 4.5/5 but fewer recent reviews and limited feedback. Its support appears consistent but less detailed in customer praise.

Edge: GuestCentric.

Which Has More Integrations: BOOKONLINE NOW or GuestCentric?

GuestCentric integrates with 44 verified partners, including PMS, channel managers, and marketing tools, facilitating a smoother operational flow. Shared integrations and third-party connections are more extensive than BOOKONLINE NOW’s zero verified partners.

BOOKONLINE NOW’s lack of verified integrations limits its ability to connect with other hotel systems, making GuestCentric the better choice for hotels seeking a connected, multi-system environment.

Edge: GuestCentric.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: BOOKONLINE NOW or GuestCentric?

GuestCentric’s overall rating of 4.78/5 is based on 62 reviews, with many reviewers praising its effectiveness in increasing direct bookings and ease of use. Hotels in various segments—independent, boutique, resorts—rate it highly, especially recent reviews.

BOOKONLINE NOW’s rating is 0/5, with reviews uniformly negative and dated from 20 years ago, which diminishes confidence in its current relevance.

Edge: GuestCentric.

How Much Do BOOKONLINE NOW and GuestCentric Cost?

BOOKONLINE NOW does not publicly disclose pricing, which suggests a custom quote or limited offering. GuestCentric charges a base fee of $600 per month, with no additional implementation or setup fees.

Given the significant difference in pricing transparency, your hotel should evaluate whether the value and features of GuestCentric justify its higher cost compared to the limited, less transparent approach of BOOKONLINE NOW.

What Type of Hotel Should Use BOOKONLINE NOW?

• Hotels that prioritize affordability and simplicity.
• Small properties like bed & breakfasts, inns, or boutique hotels with minimal operational needs.
• Hotels that want a straightforward booking engine without complex marketing or automation.
• Properties with limited technical support resources needing an easy setup.

Not ideal if your hotel needs advanced marketing, automation, or multi-channel management.

What Type of Hotel Should Use GuestCentric?

• Hotels seeking to maximize direct bookings through integrated marketing tools.
• Boutique properties, resorts, and city hotels aiming for a competitive edge with advanced features.
• Hotels that want flexible rate management, email automation, and digital marketing support.
• Properties with a focus on revenue growth and guest experience enhancement.

Not ideal if your hotel prefers a simple, budget-friendly booking engine without the need for extensive features.

The Bottom Line for Hotels

GuestCentric is the stronger choice for most hotels due to its high ratings, extensive features, and proven market presence. Its ability to connect with numerous partners and deliver a superior user experience makes it suitable for hotels that prioritize growth and operational efficiency.

BOOKONLINE NOW remains a viable option for small hotels with tight budgets or minimal operational complexity, but its limited reviews, lack of recent data, and minimal features make it less compelling for hotels looking to scale.

In summary, if your hotel aims for higher revenue, better marketing, and a seamless guest experience, GuestCentric is the recommended platform. However, for basic booking needs with minimal investment, BOOKONLINE NOW might suffice, provided your expectations are aligned with its limited capabilities.